No wonder as Frankfurt are currently fifth in the Bundesliga and just two points behind the Werkself. A win for the Herrlich team could extend the lead over Eintracht and would bring the target of securing a Champions League place a step nearer ahead of the DFB Cup clash on Tuesday. "We want to make a positive impact on the game and take all three points," said the 46-year-old coach.
He hopes his players have learned from past mistakes and go into the game with the right attitude following the outstanding 4-1 victory over Leipzig on Monday. "We have to see desire. In the past it was less evident after we'd played well," said Herrlich in setting out his demands on his players. The Werkself produced an impressive performance in the 2-0 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach a month ago before a lacklustre display in the derby at FC Köln. "I think all the players recognise the situation – we're in the run-in at the end of the season and now we're playing an opponent on a level with us who are also in the race for a European spot," said Herrlich before adding: "And it would be huge step forwards if we can beat a top six team at home. We haven't managed it so far."
To make sure that happens, he is once again trying to prepare his players as far as possible to take on the opposition. He has quoted Kevin Volland and Jonathan Tah as motivation. "Both of them said after the Leipzig match that the team has raised the bar and now they have to live up to that," declared the coach. "Those statements send a clear signal to their team-mates to demonstrate their readiness and repeat their success from Monday," said Herrlich before adding: "A team always depends on what's inside them and the players have to show their passion."
Lucas Alario (suspended), Wendell (ankle) and Joel Pohjanpalo will all miss the Frankfurt game. "Joel hasn't made it unfortunately," declared the Bayer 04 coach, "there are still questions marks over Sven Bender and keeper Bernd Leno. Well have to wait for the final pre-match training session." Both suffered knocks in Monday's game.
The Bayer 04 coach does not believe the opposition will be weakened in front of a full house at the BayArena by the announcement that Niko Kovac has been appointed as the new FC Bayern coach. "I assume the team and the coach are professional enough. They have European qualification in their sights. And they come here fully focused on that target and they will try to get a result." He did have words of praise for his fellow coach: "Congratulations to Niko. He has really achieved great things in the past few years and turned a relegation candidate into a team that has ambitions of competing at the very top. He's done a great job. My compliments to him.“
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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